Family Relationship Therapy Services

At our practice, we specialize in family relationship therapy, grounded in the principles of developmental psychology. Our services are designed to help families navigate the complexities of their relationships, improve communication, and foster a supportive and nurturing home environment.

What is Family Relationship Therapy?

Family relationship therapy focuses on the dynamics within the family unit. It aims to address issues that affect the health and functioning of the family, such as communication breakdowns, conflict, and behavioral problems. Our approach is holistic, considering the developmental stages of each family member and the family as a whole.

How Can Therapy Help?

1. Improving Communication:

   • We help family members develop effective communication skills, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings openly and constructively.

   • By enhancing understanding and empathy, family members can build stronger connections and reduce misunderstandings.

2. Resolving Conflicts:

   • Our therapists facilitate discussions that allow families to address and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.

   • We provide strategies for conflict resolution that respect each family member's perspective and promote cooperative problem-solving.

3. Strengthening Relationships:

   • We work with families to identify and reinforce their strengths, creating a solid foundation for positive relationships.

   • By fostering mutual respect and support, families can build resilience and unity.

4. Supporting Development:

   • Understanding the developmental stages of each family member is crucial. We offer guidance tailored to the specific needs of children, adolescents, and adults.

   • Our developmental psychology background allows us to provide insights into age-appropriate expectations and behaviors, helping families adapt and thrive.

5. Addressing Behavioral Issues:

   • We work with families to understand the root causes of behavioral problems and develop strategies for managing and improving behavior.

   • Our goal is to create a harmonious home environment where each member feels valued and understood.

Our Approach:

• Evidence-Based Practices: We utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family systems therapy, and developmental interventions.

• Individual and Family Sessions: Depending on the needs of the family, we offer individual therapy for specific members, as well as joint sessions to work on family dynamics.

• Psychoeducation: We provide education about family dynamics, communication strategies, and developmental milestones to empower families with the knowledge they need to succeed.

At our practice, we are committed to helping families build healthy, supportive relationships that can withstand the challenges of life. Whether you are dealing with everyday stressors or more significant issues, our family relationship therapy services are here to support you every step of the way.

Behavior Modification Therapy Services

Our practice specializes in behavior modification therapy, grounded in the principles of developmental psychology. Our services are designed to help individuals and families understand and change problematic behaviors, leading to improved functioning and a higher quality of life.

What is Behavior Modification Therapy?

Behavior modification therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative behaviors through evidence-based techniques. By understanding the underlying causes and reinforcing positive behaviors, we help clients achieve lasting change. Our approach takes into account the developmental stages of our clients, ensuring that interventions are age-appropriate and effective.

How Can Therapy Help?

1. Identifying Problem Behaviors:

   • We work with clients to pinpoint specific behaviors that are causing difficulties in their lives.

   • Through comprehensive assessments, we gather information about the context and triggers of these behaviors.

2. Understanding Underlying Causes:

   • Our therapists explore the root causes of problematic behaviors, considering factors such as developmental stages, environmental influences, and psychological conditions.

   • By understanding these underlying causes, we can develop targeted interventions.

3. Developing Personalized Plans:

   • We create individualized behavior modification plans that include specific, measurable goals.

   • These plans are tailored to the unique needs and developmental stages of our clients, ensuring that interventions are appropriate and effective.

4. Implementing Evidence-Based Techniques:

   • Our therapy utilizes evidence-based techniques such as positive reinforcement, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and skill-building exercises.

   • We teach clients how to replace negative behaviors with positive alternatives, reinforcing desired behaviors through rewards and encouragement.

5. Monitoring Progress:

   • We regularly monitor progress, adjusting the behavior modification plan as needed to ensure continued improvement.

   • Clients are involved in tracking their own progress, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.

6. Providing Support and Education:

   • We offer psychoeducation to clients and their families, helping them understand the principles of behavior modification and how to apply them in everyday life.

   • Support and guidance are provided throughout the therapeutic process, ensuring that clients feel empowered and supported.

Our Approach:

• Holistic and Developmental Perspective: We consider the whole person, including their developmental stage, environment, and psychological factors. This holistic approach ensures that interventions are comprehensive and effective.

• Collaborative and Client-Centered: Therapy is a collaborative process. We work closely with clients and their families to develop and implement behavior modification plans that are aligned with their goals and values.

• Strength-Based: We focus on clients' strengths and resources, building on these to promote positive change and resilience.

At our practice, we are dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful and lasting behavior change. Whether you are dealing with behavioral issues in children, adolescents, or adults, our behavior modification therapy services provide the tools and support needed to create positive change and improve overall well-being.

Trauma and Complex Trauma Therapy Services

At our practice, we specialize in trauma and complex trauma therapy, grounded in the principles of developmental psychology. Our services are designed to help individuals heal from the effects of trauma, regain a sense of safety and control, and improve their overall quality of life.

What is Trauma and Complex Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of traumatic experiences. Complex trauma therapy, specifically, deals with the effects of prolonged or repeated traumatic events, often occurring in childhood. Our approach is compassionate and holistic, considering the developmental stages and unique needs of each individual.

How Can Therapy Help?

1. Creating a Safe Environment:

   • We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can share their experiences and begin the healing process.

   • Building trust is essential, and our therapists are trained to offer support and empathy.

2. Understanding Trauma Responses:

   • Our therapists help clients understand their trauma responses, including symptoms like anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and dissociation.

   • By recognizing these responses, clients can begin to make sense of their experiences and reduce feelings of confusion and self-blame.

3. Processing Traumatic Memories:

   • We use evidence-based techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic Experiencing to help clients process and integrate traumatic memories.

   • These techniques can reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and promote healing.

4. Developing Coping Skills:

   • We teach clients effective coping skills to manage trauma-related symptoms and stress.

   • Techniques such as mindfulness, grounding exercises, and emotion regulation strategies empower clients to regain control over their lives.

5. Rebuilding a Sense of Self:

   • Trauma can impact an individual’s sense of identity and self-worth. Our therapists work with clients to rebuild their self-esteem and develop a positive self-concept.

   • We focus on strengths and resilience, helping clients rediscover their inner resources.

6. Addressing Developmental Impacts:

   • For clients who have experienced complex trauma, we consider the developmental impacts and how trauma may have affected their growth and development.

   • Tailored interventions are provided to support developmental milestones and promote healthy psychological growth.

Our Approach:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, ensuring that all interactions and interventions are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors.

• Integrative and Holistic: We use an integrative approach, combining various therapeutic modalities to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of trauma.

• Client-Centered: Therapy is tailored to the individual needs and goals of each client. We work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their unique experiences and aspirations.

• Empowerment and Resilience: We focus on empowering clients, helping them build resilience and regain a sense of agency and control over their lives.

At our practice, we are committed to helping individuals heal from the effects of trauma and complex trauma. Through compassionate and evidence-based therapy, we support clients on their journey to recovery, fostering hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Life Span Development Therapy and Assessment Services

Our practice offers therapy and assessment services tailored to support individuals throughout their life span. Using developmental psychology principles, we help clients understand and navigate the challenges and transitions that occur at different stages of life.

What is Life Span Development Therapy?

Life span development therapy focuses on the growth and changes that individuals experience from infancy through old age. By understanding these developmental stages, we provide targeted interventions that promote well-being and personal growth at each phase of life.

How Can Therapy and Assessments Help?

1. Understanding Developmental Milestones:

   • We help clients understand and achieve key developmental milestones, providing support and guidance tailored to each life stage.

   • Developmental assessments identify areas of strength and potential challenges, informing personalized therapeutic interventions.

2. Navigating Life Transitions:

   • Major life transitions, such as starting school, career changes, marriage, parenthood, and retirement, can be challenging. We provide support to navigate these changes successfully.

   • Therapy helps clients develop coping strategies and resilience to manage stress and adapt to new circumstances.

3. Addressing Developmental Challenges:

   • Developmental challenges, such as learning disabilities, behavioral issues, or emotional difficulties, are addressed through targeted interventions.

   • Our assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of these challenges, guiding effective treatment plans.

4. Promoting Mental Health Across the Life Span:

   • We offer mental health support tailored to the specific needs of different age groups, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors.

   • Preventative care and early intervention are key components of our approach, promoting long-term well-being.

5. Supporting Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:

   • Therapy fosters personal growth and self-discovery, helping clients explore their identities, values, and goals.

   • We empower clients to make meaningful life choices and achieve their full potential.

Our Approach:

• Developmentally Informed: Our services are grounded in an understanding of the typical developmental stages and the unique needs at each stage.

• Holistic and Integrative: We use a range of therapeutic modalities to address the comprehensive needs of our clients, including emotional, cognitive, and social aspects.

• Individualized Care: Assessments and therapy are tailored to the individual, ensuring that interventions are relevant and effective.

• Strength-Based: We focus on clients’ strengths and capabilities, promoting resilience and a positive outlook on life.

At our practice, we are dedicated to supporting individuals at every stage of their development. Through compassionate and evidence-based therapy and assessments, we help clients navigate life's challenges, fostering growth, resilience, and well-being across the lifespan.

Dr. Ashley Vieira specializes in the intersection of emotional intelligence (EI) and group dynamics, particularly among emerging adults navigating developmental and psychosocial transitions. Her expertise lies in understanding how the foundational elements of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management—impact group cohesion, communication, and overall effectiveness.

Through her dissertation research, Dr. Vieira has explored how emerging adults develop and apply emotional intelligence within collaborative settings, emphasizing the role of group work in fostering key EI competencies. This specialization includes identifying barriers to effective group functioning, such as interpersonal conflicts and deficits in emotional regulation, and designing interventions to enhance emotional and relational skills.

Her work supports emerging adults in cultivating emotional intelligence to improve interpersonal relationships, increase resilience, and achieve collective goals. Additionally, Dr. Vieira integrates developmental psychology insights to tailor approaches that align with the unique needs and growth trajectories of this population, contributing to both individual and group success in academic, professional, and community settings.